Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-03-16

choking sensation and stepped 10 the open
door hoping the soft summer breeze
would cool her hot forehead.
As she stood there she suddenly heard a
sharp cry OF distress, then something tore
past in the road, beating up rhe yellow
dust in binding clouds.
"A runaway" she said, and her heart
seemed 10 cease heating for an instant.
She ran down the path and ont into :he
road The horses had dashed on, hut
something of wreck was percertibe a
short distance of
Minerva thought she could see some one
living by The roadside She ran on toward
II at her utmost speed.
"Oh. Jason, Jason she mOaned, bend
ina down over him.
Not dead, thank heaven, Only stunned,
nerhapS She raised his head, loOsened
his collar and asked herself what next.
Turning for a moment she looked back
down the road and saw some one going in
ri her own gate. IL was woman. She
flew back toward home to ask help OF
whomever il may be
1t was Mrs Darrell, She was very pale
and addressed the girl anNiOusly.
I'm afraid an accident hns happened
Mr. Hawkes.. His team ran away"--
lie is lying in the road unconscious, >
Minerva interrupted VIII you help me-
some way To-
Let MS 60 quickly" said the other.
And 50 they had not lost an instant.
Jason had come to himself.
Badly shaken up, that's all, he said
with an unnerved laugh, and, leaning on
their arms, limped back TO Minerva's 5
home.
Minerva drew up the arm chair in the
sitting room and left him there with Mrs.
Darrell. going herself into the kitchen to
make a cooling drink for her guests, per
force.
Through the open door between the
rooms she could hear .IaSOn's voice gloomy
and disturbed.
Good thing, perhaps, if I had been
killed. Wouldn't have cared much. "
.'Oh, but you shouldn say that" the
soft voice of Mrs Darrell replied. You
ought to care Things may come right,
You know"
Minerva's heart seemed 10 twist mp
within her in a sudden jealous frenzy.
She could fancy just how the widow s
dark soft eyes were gazing into his; just
how her white and graceful hand lay on
his arm.
Yes. things might come right. But
why should Jason speak Gloomlly2 She
had given him his freedom.
The hand with which she offered him
the glass of lemonade shook Percepubly.
Did Jason observe il,
81 am going away tomorrow, Miss
Woodiord.' - he said rather stIflly. Per
haps may carry your good wishes with
me. | greatly regret having made you
this troablc.'
The widow had slipped out on the porch.
1T is no trouble whatever, Mr.
Hawkes." replied Minerva.
Miss Woodford," >" said a soft, smooth
voice from ont among the roses, won't
you please come out here Il moment"
Minerva obeyed-
The widow came near the girl and laid
her gentle hand upon her arm.
II have heard So much Of YOU she
said. in a low tone. Il feel as il we
might he friends | have been trying TO
come and see you for SO long; | was on my
way this morning am afraid you feel
unkindly toward poor Jason. Please,
please don't feel 30. He has not been to
blame
Minerva's heart was boiling within her
She answered with an effort:
Il was not aware of any unkind feel
ings. 1t can interest you very little how
feel"
.'oh. hut PARDON me. 1t interests me
exceedingly"
oh" said Minerva, with sudden sar-
casm ITO be surei | forgot. VIII you
permit me to congratulate Mr.. Hawkes.
Mrs. Darrell looked perplexed.
Congratulate For what
"Upon his engagement 10 yoT" said
Minerva, with a little gasp.
"YOu-fo0lish-child Who put such
nonsense in your head!" Mrs. Darrell
was actually laughing. "Did you fancy
why, child, | am six years older than
he Besides-I am TO marry his cousin
Frank. who is in Europe now. ! thought
he had told You. There, now, run III 10
him and make it all up I'm off for the
present But I'll be back
Minerva turned into the house with
checks atiame.
Jason" she said. Il think l was
too hasty last night. lit was a mis-
take"
Jason spranC TO his feet and drew her
into his arms.
Who was It that came gossiping Ia
YOU; Wasn't it Miss Perkins,
YES" said Minerva, slowly. at was
Miss Perkins. But don't believe her
now New York Journal.